Many homeless live 'unsheltered'

[Middle road]

"15 out of 1380" were receiving veteran's benefits. About 1% were getting VA benefits. That is about right. Veteran's, especially Viet Nam veterans, have less than average homelessness.

Note that 11% to 17% "claim" to be vets in a survey. That is about right to low.

As an "older" Vet (Viet Nam ttype) taking a college class about 10 years ago I was involved in a project where we interviewed so called "Vets" on the street. Specifically those with the signs, "Homeless Veteran".

Any Vet knows certain things , like his MOS (military occupational specialty.). And that (since '68) his serial number is his soc sec #. Yet of the 45 "Vets" we talked to ALL, ALL, were phonies; none were vets, they just got more handouts claiming to be.

Just thought I'd pass that along.

[pity pater]

Be compassionate wrote:

Another thing to note, is that people often criticize the homeless lifestyle and take issue with people "wanting" to live on the streets.
So if that's true, then I wonder if all of those same people are digging into their wallets and purses and looking through their homes to give to the poor who DO have homes?
Honestly, I don't know that many people who give and give and give to others but turn their noses up at the homeless. I tend to think a charitable being is a charitable being.
Considering that 20% of Butte County is below the poverty level (and the poverty level is lower than it ought to be), I would think that people would be more understanding. Probably at least half of Butte County is on the brink, living paycheck to paycheck. Sad situation. Sadder still by those who are so judgemental...

Actually I have spent the bulk of my life at/below the federal poverty level. Owned two house, ran a business, worked wages, raised a family(3 girls),seldom had health insurance and as a fact have a respectable 401k as I approach retirement.

What I didn't do is buy cars or houses that I couldn't afford, paid cash for what I needed, and mostly didn't buy a bunch of crap that most people spend their income on. Heck, I was probably the last in my family to get a cell phone,off e-bay, and service cost me on a average of 8$/month.

This whole idea of poor is so distorted as to have litte meaning, hungry people with useless crap... sad

[Joann Barr]

Our homeless population needs help. Why not reopen the fair grounds?

[Have Compassion]

Lairs wrote:

Good Grief: I'm sorry that you wasted your time with the Salvation Army in Chico. The people in charge of the Salvation Army in Chico are thief's and liars. They are so crooked its not even funny. When clothes and food are donated they pick through it and get stuff first, money is stolen on a regular basic there. This is coming from a person that worked there and saw all of this. I will never give a dime to them. They dont help the homeless!

Alright, that's understandable. So who DO you contribute to? Do you mind recommending some worthwhile causes or charities that you DO believe in? Sometimes when putting down a particular cause or place, you might want to make a suggestion instead....

[not a fan of mary]

Sheesh, really?
"did not wantED to be?"
Um, perhaps YOUR job is soon to be open?

And, "Mommy of sweet boy" ... You need to get an education and set a better example. It is you'RE not Your. Duh. Makes one wonder.(related to the writer of this piece?

An education need not be a piece of paper that reads you attended. You can self educate. Read. Turn off the TV. Go to a museum. READ.
Apologies, but this flattens me that people that sit and bitch about the homeless didn't pay attention to life, read a non-required book or (perhaps even go to) school. Ask yourselves, each of you reading this comment, where you might be if someone else wasn't there to help.
They aren't all in the situation for the same reason. Nor have they had a better choice. Not all are hooked on something ... and although many have given up (no thanks to us with jobs that throw out remarks about -they just buy beer ...) not every one of the homeless is not trying to make a better life. Some are ... Have a little faith for them. Would you wish to be in their shoes?

It could easily be you.

[sam]

Consider the Source wrote:

<quoted text>
These are people who won't work, and don't want to follow rules. That's why they are homeless in the first place. It figures, because stray dogs will bite the hand that feeds them, especially if the dog really wanted beer instead of food and a rule-less flop house instead of a structured shelter. Alcoholic, drug-addicted people who don't want any responsibilities would rather take their chances on the streets than have to commit to being in by 5:00 pm, abstaining from drugs or alcohol, and having 1 chore (like sweeping or mopping.) Its much easier to stand on the corner and get nice working people to hand over a few bucks each day to support their habits.
Remember, if you don't have to pay rent, you can use all your social security check to rent a motel room a few nights per month. You take a shower, catch up on some TV and order a pizza. No rent, no car payment, no bills. To them, its the easier, softer way.
Most homeless people are homeless by choice. There a few out there who have fallen on hard times and, when given the chance, will use the resources offered to them in the form of a shelter and/or public assistance to get on their feet. Others will use and use and use each and and every resource in one area until they are moved on to another area where they will start the circuit all over again.
The average age of a homeless person in the United States is 10 years old. That's because many of these people drag their children along behind them. You will find one parent and 2 or 3 children. The kids are the ones who are not homeless by choice and they are the ones who really need our help.

should we be so self rightious until you have walked in the same footsteps

[Good Grief]

Lairs wrote:

Good Grief: I'm sorry that you wasted your time with the Salvation Army in Chico. The people in charge of the Salvation Army in Chico are thief's and liars. They are so crooked its not even funny. When clothes and food are donated they pick through it and get stuff first, money is stolen on a regular basic there. This is coming from a person that worked there and saw all of this. I will never give a dime to them. They dont help the homeless!

My time wasnt wasted. During my lifetime, I have the opportunity to explore many paths. Wherever I am and whatever I do, I remember that my true mission is to express God's love in the world.
I am an instrument of peace in times of conflict, beholding each person as a child of God. I am a channel for good as I share my blessings with others. In fulfilling my mission, I provide comfort and strength to those who may be struggling. In simple ways every day, I am an expression of God's love, touching lives and making a difference.

[compassion]

I cant beleive how many people are so judgemental,A Bible verse :But for the grace of God there go.

[Sunflower]

All I can say is that my perception changed about poor people, when I saw an old man slip a package of hamburger in his jacket at the local grocery store. I thought it was very sad.

And, by the way to the person who said mean things about the Salvation Army. I will shop at the Salvation Army before spending my money anywhere else. These hard working people provide food, clothes, and shelter to the poor and to victims of floods and fire. You are obviously not a Christian, and you must have a very lonely life.

[Sunflower]

Your comment was very sad. You sound like a very mean person. I just hope that someday you find happiness in your soul.